I’m not sure what compelled Conan and his staff at the time to tape a late night talk show in front of an audience of children (marijuana, perhaps?), but the end result is amazing. Watching this it’s hard not to appreciate Conan O’Brien as a gifted performer. To hold the attention of a bunch of kids for an hour while also making something adults wouldn’t be bored silly watching is truly impressive.

Best of all is at around the 35 minute mark, which is where Conan introduces his next guest, CNN’s financial editor at the time, Myron Kandel. It’s a move that belongs in the trolling hall of fame.

i remember watching this episode when it aired. it was by far the weirdest fucking thing Conan ever did. mostly the kids seemed bored out of their minds the 1st 10 minutes or so before Conan turned himself into a deranged version of Captain Kangaroo.

What would’ve made this one of the greatest moments in television would’ve been if they never acknowledged that the audience was filled with kids and played it completely straight like they were doing a regular show.